Kasaup: 'We have not lost confidence in guv'

SAN LUIS -- A leader of the group Kasaup here said Monday that their group continues to support Pampanga Governor Eddie Panlilio and the Crusade for Good Governance despite the call of other sectors for him to resign because of "loss of confidence" and ineffectiveness in governing the province.

Panlilio is the subject of a recall petition initiated last month by the Kambilan Neng Memalen Pampanga (Kambilan) and now the object of a "resign" movement elevated by sacked members of protesting Biyaya A Luluguran At Sisikapan (Balas) boys in their month-long picket at the Arnedo Park of the Capitol.

But Arnel Manliclic Sr., a Kasaup municipal coordinator, decried "loss of confidence" as a motive of the recall petition and a reason for other civil society groups to withdraw their support for the Capitol executive, saying he and his group and many more "do not believe Panlilio has lost the confidence of his constituents. "

"Is this what they call 'loss of confidence'? The people in this rally today are farmers, out-of-school youth, businessmen and simply folk who still believe in the governor, good governance and the crusade. Why do they say there's loss of confidence?" Manliclic said.

About 500 placard-bearing members of Kasaup and supporters of Panlilio gathered Monday afternoon at the St. Aloysius Parish here for a prayer rally to denounce the recall move and air their support for Panlilio as well as affirm their allegiance to the principles of the Crusade.

Parish Priest Fr. Fernando David who led the group in praying, said "it was very good to see that the crusade for change and good governance is very well alive" amid the now complex political situation in the province.

The rally was otherwise peaceful, save for the complaints of some members that several barangay officials dissuaded them from joining the gathering by stopping their vehicles. But officials of the barangays identified by the rallyists, belied the allegations.

After a brief program, the group started its own "anti-recall" signature drive by distributing and signing forms that will counter the recall move. (JTD)